Nope (2022) Review

"This spectacle it's going to change you,"

WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS

As someone who loves Get Out and Us, I have been looking forward to this newest Jordan Peele movie since the release of the first teaser and here I am, back to writing my film reviews and very happy to announce that it did not disappoint.

Centring around a family who train horses to be used in movies, this horror brings a new perspective to aliens in film. Jordan Peele's ability to create suspense and tension in his horror movies remains unmatched as each scene keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation. The portrayal of the family's struggles to remain financially stable after the death of their father is shown through their desire to capture real footage of the alien they are dealing with, even if it means putting their lives at risk. This need for fame also brings the downfall of two characters by the end of the movie, and therefore portrays the priorities of humans during life-threatening situations, showing how many care more about money than what may happen to them or the world. Peele's ability to reflect the way society revolves around money through his directing makes his horror movie even more appealing, as it generates a sense of reality despite being fictional.

Not only has Peele created a horror movie that demands your attention through the excitement it creates, but he has provided a cast that reach the requirements to compliment such a beautiful movie. Daniel Kaluuya creates his character, OJ Haywood, to appear simple but complex as he deals with his grief while trying to battle both his financial situation and the alien that has taken over where he lives, which is further shown by his determination to take back his horses that he has sold for money (without knowing, of course, that these horses have become sacrifices to the alien). Similarly, Keke Palmer, who plays OJs sister Emerald Haywood, is the most interesting character in the movie. She appears self-centred when first introduced as she is conveyed to act in her best interest, but is shown to have multiple layers to her character by the end of the movie, where she both ends the alien and captures real footage of it using a funfair photo machine. She is, in my opinion, the best character of the entire film and drags the audience in through each appearance she is given. Additionally, Steve Yeun creates a perfect portrayal of the character known as Jupe, who is a traumatised child star still trying to reach fame as he uses the alien for his own financial gain and therefore demonstrating how the prioritise of humanity overlook safety. He is excellent at showing how his character suppresses his trauma, which is shown as Peele adds flashbacks of the crazed animal that ended the show which made Jupe famous, so that he can feel as though he is still in control (which is, of course, is why he controls the alien through feeding him horses - he attempts to control the uncontrollable to make up for his lack of control when he was a child and watched this animal murder and harm his co-stars).

Furthermore, the visual effects and sets used create a beautiful movie with many pleasing shots, as well as making the alien's full form appear angel-like despite the harm it has created to many people. This beauty is all brought together by the score composed by Michael Abels, who develops the perfect atmosphere with the use of Western themed music to fit the setting as well as tense music to fit the plot of the movie.

This movie is, what I believe to be, the best alien horror movie as it combines science fiction, horror and some aspects of comedy with excellence. If you have not yet seen Nope, then do not miss your chance while it is still in cinemas!